Serge Bassenko, a French artist, photographer, and writer, dedicated his life to capturing the profound connection between humanity and the environment through his images and writings. Thanks to the commitment of his lifelong companion, Eléonore Mongiat, over 7,000 of Bassenko’s photographs and 25 literary works have been safeguarded in the Arctic World Archive (AWA). Using the durable and future-proof piqlFilm technology, this deposit ensures that Bassenko’s legacy will endure for future generations, preserving his artistic vision and unique perspective on the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

A Lifelong Commitment to Art and Preservation

Serge Bassenko (1927-2013) was an artist who dedicated his life to capturing the soul of humanity through his camera lens and pen. His photographs, particularly of Venice, France, and Friuli in Italy, provide an intimate and poignant reflection of the relationship between humans, nature, and history. His literary works span multiple genres, offering profound insights into life’s essential questions. Eléonore Mongiat, who shared a lifelong partnership with Bassenko, took it upon herself to ensure his works would not fade away with time. In her quest for a long-term preservation solution, she discovered the Arctic World Archive (AWA) and entrusted Bassenko’s works to its care.

The Quest to Protect Bassenko’s Legacy

The primary challenge Eléonore faced was finding a medium that could withstand the test of time and environmental disasters. Conventional storage solutions, such as DVDs, microfilm, and M-DISCs, were either too fragile or required specific conditions like controlled temperature and humidity. Further, attempts to house the collection in major cultural institutions were unsuccessful, as many institutions claimed they lacked the space or resources to preserve the massive collection of original films, negatives, and slides.

The urgency of the situation was underscored when 6,000 of Bassenko’s photographs were destroyed by a flood in a bank’s safe, due to negligence. Eléonore’s search for a reliable long-term storage medium became a matter of protecting Serge’s invaluable contributions to the cultural heritage of humanity.

The Transition of Bassenko’s Works to AWA

Serge Bassenko’s preserved works in the AWA consist of a comprehensive collection of five DVDs, containing 7,000 photographs of Venice, the French countryside, and Friuli, along with 25 literary works, including 19 novels and a philosophical collection, The Sage. Each element of this collection provides a unique perspective on the interplay between humans, nature, and history. The photographs, taken throughout the 20th century, document landscapes and cultural environments that have since been irrevocably altered by modern development.

By depositing this collection in the AWA, the works have been safeguarded on piqlFilm, a technology known for its extreme durability and resilience. The piqlFilm is resistant to electromagnetic radiation, natural disasters, and the wear of time, ensuring that future generations will have access to Bassenko’s legacy for centuries to come.

Why Preserve in the Arctic World Archive?

After extensive research and consideration, Eléonore Mongiat selected the Arctic World Archive (AWA) as the ultimate destination for Serge Bassenko’s works, drawn by its unparalleled advantages for long-term preservation.

The piqlFilm technology utilized in the AWA is engineered for longevity, capable of enduring for decades without degradation. This makes it the perfect medium for safeguarding Bassenko’s artistic legacy.

Moreover, the AWA is strategically located deep within a permafrost-protected mountain, providing a conflict-free sanctuary that naturally shields the works from environmental disasters and human interference.

By depositing Bassenko’s works in the Arctic World Archive, Mongiat guarantees that his unique artistic vision and insights will remain available to future generations, transcending the limitations of today’s digital infrastructure and ensuring that his contributions to art and literature endure through time.

Our Impact

The deposit of Serge Bassenko’s works in the Arctic World Archive is not merely about safeguarding a collection; it is about preserving the essence of a man’s lifetime dedication to capturing humanity’s interaction with nature and history. Through his photographs, viewers are transported to a world of profound beauty and peace, while his writings offer wisdom that transcends time. Thanks to the dedication of Eléonore Mongiat, Bassenko’s legacy will not be forgotten, but will continue to inspire and inform future generations.

By choosing AWA, Eléonore has ensured that Serge Bassenko’s profound testimony to human life and art will endure, providing future generations with the opportunity to connect with a world that might otherwise have been lost to time.

Read more about Eléonore Mongiat:

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